NRE vs NRO Fixed Deposits

Last updated:
NRE and NRO Fixed Deposits

It may be simple to become bogged down in a maze of acronyms and jargon when handling your finances, particularly in the broad and complex banking industry. NRE and NRO FDs are two such phrases that are often used. You may be wondering how. Don't worry, reader; we will help you understand the NRE and NRO FD differences and help you know their secrets. Now, take your financial guide and let's go off on this exploration. 

Meaning of NRE and NRO

An NRE Fixed Deposit is a type of term deposit account in which the non-resident Indian (NRI) puts money overseas and transfers it to an Indian account, where the money is changed into Indian rupees. One type of term deposit utilised for sharing profits abroad is an NRE deposit.

Generally, an NRI creates an NRO account to handle income they get from India. Rent, a pension, or other payments might provide this income. These accounts' interest is subject to taxation.

NRE and NRO FD Differences

When you're working with acronyms like NRE and NRO FDs, the world of finance may be very confusing. Perhaps you're wondering what these phrases represent and how they affect your finances. Let's break it down and examine the NRE and NRO FD differences.

  • Repatriation
    With an NRO FD, you won't be able to withdraw your initial deposit. You can only transfer your NRO fixed deposit interest to a foreign account. On the other hand, you can repatriate all of your money, including the principal and interest, to a foreign account with an NRE FD. This makes it easy to transfer the principal and earnings to an Indian account.
  • Taxation
    Under Indian law, an NRO FD is liable to taxes. The interest received on an NRO fixed deposit is subject to taxation under the Income Tax Act of 1961 at roughly 30%. This rate is quite pricey in comparison to domestic FD rates. In contrast, there is no tax on the principal interest generated on investments made into an NRE fixed deposit. In this way, an NRE FD is tax-free. An NRE FD is a preferable option over an NRO fixed deposit because of this benefit.
  • Joint Holding
    It is not problematic for two NRIs to create a joint account in an NRO or an NRE. An NRI must utilise an NRO account to create an account with a citizen of India. An NRE FD cannot be formed jointly with a resident Indian citizen, not even if they are immediate relatives. Understanding the NRE and NRO FD differences is essential. It can help you in making your financial decisions precisely. 
  • Currency 
    Earned income from sources outside India can be converted to Indian rupees and used to open an NRE account. On the other hand, you can use money earned in India to create an NRO fixed deposit. Fund transfers from an NRE account to an NRO cannot create an FD. It is impossible to initiate a fixed deposit in another nation using your NRO account.
  • Interest Rate
    The bank or NBFC where you wish to invest will determine the interest rate on NRE and NRO FDs. To select the best option with the highest returns, it is essential to keep up with current rates. Matured options for NREs and NRO FDs range from one to twenty years. Your choice of which FD is better for you will depend on how you like the features offered by the two kinds of accounts.

Features of NRO FD Account

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can manage their money created in India using NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Fixed Deposit accounts as a financial bridge. These accounts are equipped with a unique feature set designed to meet the demands of non-resident individuals. Let's examine the main characteristics of an NRO FD account and why NRIs need them.

  • Investing is simple and offers competitive interest rates. 
  • You can schedule further installments in multiples of Rs. 10,000, with a minimum initial deposit of Rs. 25,000.
  • To make an NRO deposit, transfer money from an existing NRE or NRO account with a different Indian bank. 
  • NRO Fixed deposits may be scheduled using Netbanking. 

Features of an NRE FD Account

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), fixed deposit accounts are like financial treasure troves. They provide a safe and convenient means of increasing your money. We'll review the characteristics of NRE FD accounts in this article to help you understand how they operate and why NRIs choose them.

  • An NRE FD account may accept deposits in foreign currencies, which are converted into Indian rupees at the going rate of exchange.
  • The deposit begins generating interest as soon as it is made, according to the relevant FD rates for the duration of the deposit.
  • Indian National Rupee is used for withdrawals (INR)
  • The depositor's account is credited with the total fund value (deposit amount plus interest earned) in Rupees.
  • In India, interest is not subject to taxation.

Is NRE, NRO, or FCNR Preferable?

All these three narratives are different from each other in several ways. They share a common factor, which is designing them for use by non-resident Indians. The FCNR is a preferable option for NRIs who want to handle their costs and investment-related matters outside of India. In contrast, the NRE account is ideal for individuals who are interested in investing their foreign income in India and utilise it to manage expenses in India. Regarding the NRO fixed deposit account, it is appropriate for those with Indian income. This money can be invested in an NRO account.

Conclusion

NRIs with varying income sources and demands can have their individual financial needs met by NRE and NRO Fixed Deposits. While NRE and NRO FD differences are designed for managing revenue earned within India, NRE FDs are ideal for those who make income overseas and wish to keep their savings in foreign currency. You may optimise your financial plan by making well-informed judgements by being aware of these distinctions. 

Next time you have to choose between an NRE and NRO FD, you will know in which direction you should put your money to make the most out of it. It doesn’t matter whether you are a distant descendant or not, a world traveller; it’s about getting you money to work for you.

Share: